Senior Analyst / Associate Director, Model Validation

Fitch Ratings; Old Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a talented model validation analyst to join their dynamic team in Toronto. This exciting opportunity involves reviewing and validating diverse credit rating models, ensuring quality and consistency in Fitch's rating criteria. Candidates will gain valuable experience in credit modeling and validation, while developing a solid understanding of model governance practices and the regulatory environment. If you are self-motivated, detail-oriented, and possess strong analytical skills, this role offers a chance to make a significant impact in the financial services sector.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in quantitative disciplines or finance is required.
• 2+ years of experience in financial modeling or analysis.

Responsibilities

• Review various types of credit rating models and conduct comprehensive testing.
• Discuss review observations with model owners and write review reports.

Skills

Financial Modeling

Model Validation

Quantitative Analysis

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Master's Degree in Quantitative Disciplines

Master's Degree in Finance

Tools

Python

R

Job description

Requisition ID: 47353

Business Unit: Fitch Group

Category: Data & Analytics

Location: Toronto, ON, CA

The Model Validation Group (MVG) is currently seeking a model validation analyst at Senior Analyst or Associate Director level based out of our Toronto OR Barcelona office.

The MVG is part of the Criteria Review and Approval Group which reports to the Chief Risk Officer. The core objective of the department is to ensure the quality and consistency of Fitch’s rating criteria and models. The MVG team focuses on reviewing and validating all models used in the credit rating analysis across Fitch Ratings and works closely with the Criteria Officers to review and approve criteria.

What We Offer:

1. Gain valuable credit modeling and validation experience, along with a good understanding of related credit products, their rating methodology, and criteria.
2. Develop a solid knowledge of model governance practices and the regulatory environment.

We’ll Count on You To:

1. Review various types of credit rating models, such as default models, cashflow models, capital models, and regression models, covering asset classes including ABS, CMBS, Covered Bonds, RMBS, Structured Credit, corporates, financial institutions, insurance, and sovereigns.
2. Review model codes, build replica models, conduct comprehensive testing, discuss review observations with the model owners and developers, and write review reports.

What You Need to Have:

1. Master's degree in quantitative disciplines or finance.
2. 2+ years of experience in financial modelling/analysis.
3. Capability to explain and communicate model review observations and model technical aspects clearly.
4. Self-motivation with an ability to manage timelines across multiple projects.
5. Thorough attention to detail.
6. Strong work ethic.

What Would Make You Stand Out:

1. Demonstrated proficiency in programming in Python, R, or quantitative statistical analysis.
2. Previous exposure to credit rating analysis or cash flow modelling.
3. A Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF).